Terms of Service

1. Who we are

Proof of Change is operated by Maria Pignatelli, [legal name and registered address of the business], [tax/company ID]. You can reach us at [contact email].

2. What we do

We provide consulting services to mission-driven organizations: diagnosis, strategy and business planning, capacity building, process optimization and AI governance, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEL), certification readiness, impact communication and report writing. We work as a project, in a fractional role, as a facilitator or as a mentor.

3. How an engagement works

• Every engagement starts with a diagnosis, scaled to the size of the job.
• The scope, deliverables, timeline, fees and any expenses are set out in a written proposal or agreement. If it conflicts with these terms, the signed proposal or agreement prevails.
• An engagement begins when you accept the proposal in writing (email is enough) and, where requested, pay the agreed deposit.
• Changes to scope are agreed in writing before the extra work starts.

4. Fees and payment

Fees depend on scope and complexity and are quoted in the proposal. Unless the proposal says otherwise, invoices are payable within 30 days of issue. Late payment may lead to work being paused. Taxes such as VAT are added where they apply.

5. Your responsibilities

To do our work well we need timely access to people, information and decisions. You confirm that the information and data you give us is accurate and that you have the right to share it. Delays on your side may move the timeline.

6. No guarantee of outcomes

We give our professional judgment and do the work with care, but we cannot promise particular results. This includes funding decisions, certification or rating outcomes (for example B Corp or EcoVadis), regulatory approval, or specific impact figures, which depend on factors outside our control.

7. Confidentiality

We keep confidential the non-public information you share with us and use it only to deliver the work. This does not cover information that is already public, that you have made public, or that we must disclose by law. We may name you as a client, and show your logo, only with your prior consent.

8. Intellectual property

Deliverables created specifically for you belong to you once they are paid for in full. We keep ownership of our pre-existing methods, templates, tools and know-how, and we grant you a non-exclusive licence to use them as part of the deliverables. Content on this website (text, design, brand and logo) belongs to Proof of Change and may not be copied without permission.

9. Use of the website

You agree not to misuse the website, try to disrupt it or gain unauthorized access to it, or use it for unlawful purposes. Content on the website is general information and not professional, legal or financial advice for your particular situation.

10. Testimonials and third-party logos

Testimonials and client logos are shown with the permission of the people and organizations involved. Third-party names and logos remain the property of their owners and do not imply endorsement.

11. Liability

We are responsible for the services we provide. To the extent the law allows, our total liability for any claim connected to an engagement is limited to the fees you paid us for that engagement, and we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss such as lost funding or lost opportunities. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law, including for fraud or intentional wrongdoing.

12. Ending an engagement

Either of us may end an engagement with 14 days' written notice. You pay for work carried out and expenses incurred up to the end date. Sections that by their nature should continue (confidentiality, intellectual property, liability) continue after the engagement ends.

13. Data protection

We handle personal data as described in our Privacy Policy. When we process personal data on your behalf as part of an engagement, we will agree a data processing agreement with you where the law requires one.

14. Governing law and disputes

These terms are governed by the law of [country/jurisdiction]. We will try in good faith to resolve any disagreement directly first. If that does not work, the courts of [city/jurisdiction] have jurisdiction, without affecting any mandatory consumer rights you may have. If you are a consumer in the EU, you can also use the online dispute resolution platform at ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.

15. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. The version on this page, with its date, is the current one. Engagements already agreed continue under the terms in force when they started.

16. Contact

Questions about these terms: [contact email].